We are here!

I think yesterday was the hottest day of the week, and of course, we were moving! The sun was hot, but the Uhaul and storage unit was even hotter. Jamie almost overdid it (as usual). It was a long hard day for everybody concerned. Thanks a BUNCH to Pat and Glenn for not only putting up with 6 extra people in their home for 3 months but for the extra muscles. I don't know what we would have done without you (then and now).

But we are here and trying to gather a game plan of what to do first. It is a bit overwhelming to say the least. Not just the unpacking, but trying to decide how we are going to set things up until things get permanently set up since we'll be painting and doing all that crazy business soon. First things first though, we need the kitchen unpacked and clothes! That is the biggest problem. And, since our house was built in the 70's our dryer won't work, so that was a little kink. Now I have laundry hanging all over my house, because I didn't have any machines for 3 days! I told Jamie that we have to be on that Monday morning, because I really need that dryer! That part was frustrating, along with the "fragile" box that fell yesterday! The things inside are irreplaceable and I cried a bit, but I'm OK now. I think part of those tears were being hot, tired, frustrated, etc.

I really hate moving and find the whole process stressful. Jamie and I really don't have a "want" to move again in the future and we can finally put our feet down and plant them firm and enjoy for the first time ever. I guess since we are in our mid-30's, it is about time to feel that way, huh?

I can look back over the last 4 months and while there will always be a twinge of disappointment and hurt when I reflect back on this time, I know that God has taken care of us. We are forever changed. God saw us through one of the hardest blows and hurts of our lives, but we muddled through with his help and leaned on him. I've been depressed, but the past week or so, I can already feel that being lifted. Just the joy of moving forward has been enough to make me feel like we are finally getting our lives back. I can see where God has used this opportunity of Satan to bless us with our heart's desire (a home of our own), give Jamie a solid stable job, and move us back close to our families.

Thanks for everybody's continued prayers.

God, Thank You For Our Shelter!

Later this afternoon, I'm walking into my new house with my family. We are pretty excited! The kids have been counting down the days. Tonight we are moving our necessary items and sleeping on air mattresses, but it'll be so nice! I'll finally be HOME!

We originally were going to stay here through the painting process, but then decided that might take a while since we are all in full school mode. Everybody's time is limited, so the painting and fixing up will have to be done around our hectic schedules. It'll get done when it gets done. So if you come to visit us anytime soon, expect to step over drop cloths and paint cans.

We will be doing the "big" move on Saturday! I'm praying for clear skies, because we know from our experience a few months ago that moving in the rain is the PITS!

Jamie and I were talking last night until pretty late about the events of the past 4 months. I'll never understand it. Never! But what Satan means for his side, God will reclaim! We've been taken care of. Things have not always been comfortable, we've shared a lot of tears, battled depression/anxiety, but we know that God was carrying us through. He has blessed us with this house and we both know beyond a doubt that our name was stamped on that house the day he listed it (the exact day Jamie told me we were moving).

So tonight we will probably be having a carpet picnic (when you spread a blanket out on the floor in the house), sleeping on air mattresses, and living out of boxes some more (what else is new!), but we will finally be home and feeling more settled!

Yesterday Hannah was saying our morning prayer. She said, "God, thank you for our shelter" and it just made me melt! What a sweet child! She was so genuine in her prayer and really that is what it is about isn't it? Shelter! It isn't even really about the house at all!

So Many Changes!

I feel like my head might explode! Today I attended the kick-off meeting for the homeschool group in Murray. It was one of those awkward social situations where everybody seems to know everybody and you are the odd man out. I mean, I talked to a few moms and the kids loved their 'Literature Clubs' and I know that I'll get used to it and perhaps make some great friends, but it was still very uncomfortable for me. I'm chanting to myself in my head, "I'm doing this for my kids, I'm doing this for my kids...". I actually ended up chatting with one mom that had a son that is 11 and 2 little girls and we had a little on common. Her husband even works part time in Mayfield and is a bi-vocational minister. She told me about a P.E. class they offer there once a week (yay...more awkward conversations in my future).

We are also church looking . We have not been a "regular" church member in over 11 years and have not really church shopped since we first got married. It is weird! We've visited 2 so far. The first one just didn't fit us. There was nothing wrong with it, but it was just not what we were looking for and really not even what I expected. The 2nd church, we've gone to twice now and really like it a lot . It is about the right size and has a contemporary worship and a 'come as you are' atmosphere. There are plenty of kids and youth and the pastor is probably one of the best preachers I've ever heard actually (besides my dear husband, of course!).

It is just overwhelming thinking of all the changes from the last 4 months! I really resist and hate change of any kind, so all this stress has been a bit much to take in at times. I'm getting there one step at a time. We will be in our new home Wednesday night...probably on an air mattress, but still in our new home! That is a change that I'm certainly looking forward to!

9 Days and Counting!

The previous owner of the home we bought is in the process of moving. The original contract stated that he could take 14 days to give us the key. He called today and will be out either late Tuesday night or the wee hours of Wednesday morning next week. Either way, we are headed to our new home Wednesday! We are all very excited and ready to get back to normal again! I'm sure Jamie's parents are eager to say the same!